Wednesday, 30 March 2016

The
first psalm gives thanks to God for healing from a severe illness. Now well the
psalmist’s soul rests in God.

A new
commitment is made to serve God.

Isaiah
62

The
prophet declares that he will not cease talking about Jerusalem’s restoration.
People will no longer call her forsaken or desolate as if those are her names.She will be instead “The Lord Delights in
You” or “Married”, meaning that the young men will commit to her for their
life-times and God will rejoice in her. The people in Jerusalem will be free to
eat and drink their own produce and to praise God – no longer oppressed. The
prophet incites the people to start the preparation, to lift up the flags so
people can join the rebuilding effort ahead.

John
21: 15 – 25

The
disciples finish breakfast. Jesus asks Peter three times “Do you love me?”
Peter affirms his love three times. Jesus says to him in this order: “Feed my
lambs”, “Tend my sheep”, and “Feed my sheep”. He goes on to tell Peter how
independent he was when he was younger and how vulnerable he will be later –
someone else will tie a belt around him and take him where he does not want to
go.

Jesus
makes it clear that each person’s faith journey is his or her own. Peter has
his mission others will have theirs. The section ends with briefly saying Jesus
did many other things that are not recorded here.

Collect for Morning Prayer

A willy willy on the paddockNear Kyola NSW L Osburn

Holy God, you give us examples of
people who re-affirm their commitment to serve you: through praise and worship,
promoting your message of restoration and, ministry to your people. These
commitments are life-long, never ceasing and may be in difficult places.
Inspire us today to re-commit ourselves to you and to our journey with you so
that we feel part of that team of your disciples through the centuries, linked
and supported by their example through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of
your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday 31 March 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm
117

This is
a global call to praise God. Praise God for his steadfast love and eternal
faithfulness. Praise the Lord.

Exodus
13: 1 – 16

God
tells Moses that the first-born males are to be offered to him. Lambs can be sacrificed,
donkeys kept and a lamb substituted for them. Humans offered to God, not
sacrificed. The story of the exodus from Egypt and festival of the unleavened
bread is to be kept in perpetuity.

1
Peter 2: 4 – 10

As
believers God counts us all as precious. Jesus is like a stone once rejected by
people but selected by the great builder to be the central block for the
building of the church. We are all part of the construction of that spiritual
house. We are all members of the holy priesthood proclaiming God’s great acts
and mercy.

Collect for Evening Prayer

GrevilleaThe Abbey Benedictine CommunityJamberoo NSW L Osburn

Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and
Immortal we offer ourselves to you, to tell of your grace and mercies in and
through our actions and words. Be with us now as we reflect on how much you
value us, that we are precious to you. Restore us Lord this night so that we
can rise with freshness ready to work in your world for the glory of your
kingdom through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.